Traveling to Kaminoyama Shi (Kaminoyama-shi) offers a perfect blend of historic castle town charm and relaxing wellness experiences in Yamagata Prefecture. This historic hot spring town boasts centuries of history, where visitors can enjoy soothing thermal waters while taking in gorgeous seasonal views of Mount Zao and Kaminoyama Castle. Travelers can choose from a range of traditional ryokans centered around the hot spring districts or modern hotels that offer convenient access to the city center. During your stay, you can explore the preserved samurai districts, visit the scenic Lina World amusement park, and savor delicious local Yamagata beef. To help you plan, Tripbtoz offers authentic guest video reviews that provide a real look inside each property before you book. Whether you are searching for a luxury ryokan with private open-air baths, a cozy family guesthouse, or a budget-friendly hotel, you will find excellent options here. Browse our hotel and ryokan listings below to find the right stay for your trip.
Kaminoyama Shi Recommended Hotels
Arimakan
3.5-stars· Kaminoyama Shi, Yamagata Ken
Arimakan is a traditional ryokan located in the Kaminoyama Onsen area of Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, within walking distance of Kaminoyama Castle. Featuring natural hot springs and spa services, it is ideal for onsen travelers, and also offers family rooms for guests with children. The property provides free parking and a complimentary area shuttle, with easy access to nearby attractions including Zao Onsen Ski Resort and Takeda Winery.
4.4/516
US$137
from
Total US$137 (Incl. taxes)
Senkeien Tsukioka Hotel
3.5-stars· Kaminoyama Shi, Yamagata Ken
Senkeien Tsukioka Hotel is a traditional ryokan located in the Kaminoyama Onsen area of Yamagata Prefecture, just a 5-minute walk from Kaminoyama Castle. The property features natural hot springs, karaoke facilities, and offers babysitting services for families. With easy access to Zao Quasi-National Park and Lina World theme park, it is ideal for guests seeking both hot spring relaxation and sightseeing.
3.8/537
US$176
from
Total US$176 (Incl. taxes)
Kaminoyama Azumaya
3.5-stars· Kaminoyama Shi, Yamagata Ken
Kaminoyama Azumaya is a traditional ryokan located in the Kaminoyama Onsen area, featuring natural hot springs and sauna facilities. Within walking distance to Kaminoyama Castle, it offers easy access to nearby attractions including Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort and Takeda Winery. The property provides family rooms and kids meals for family travelers, along with complimentary train station pickup service.
4.2/5166
US$119
from
Total US$119 (Incl. taxes)
Hayamakan
4-stars· Kaminoyama Shi, Yamagata Ken
Hayamakan is a traditional ryokan located in the Kaminoyama hot spring area of Yamagata Prefecture, within walking distance of Hayama Hot Spring. Ideal for families and guests seeking hot spring relaxation, it offers complimentary train station pickup and valet parking. The property features 32 rooms, on-site hot springs, karaoke facilities, and complimentary Japanese breakfast.
4.5/584
US$178
from
Total US$178 (Incl. taxes)
Bekkan Fujiya Ryokan
3-stars· Kaminoyama Shi, Yamagata Ken
A traditional ryokan located in the Kaminoyama hot spring area, within a 5-minute drive of Hayama Hot Spring and Kaminoyama Castle. The property features hot springs, karaoke, and bicycle rentals, making it ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese hot spring experience. Convenient access to nearby attractions including Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort and Takeda Winery.
4.4/560
US$111
from
Total US$111 (Incl. taxes)
Saikatei Jidaiya
3-stars· Kaminoyama Shi, Yamagata Ken
Saikatei Jidaiya is a traditional ryokan located in the Kaminoyama hot spring area of Yamagata Prefecture, within walking distance of Hayama Hot Spring. This small 17-room inn is ideal for family travelers, offering hot spring facilities and an authentic Japanese lodging experience. It provides convenient access to nearby attractions including Kaminoyama Castle and Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort, with free parking and bicycle rental services available.
4.5/529
US$361
from
Total US$361 (Incl. taxes)
Oyado Morinone - Adults Only
3.5-stars· Kaminoyama Shi, Yamagata Ken
Oyado Morinone is an adults-only traditional ryokan located in the Kaminoyama hot spring area of Yamagata Prefecture. Within a 5-minute drive of Hayama Hot Spring, it offers easy access to attractions like Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort and Takeda Winery. With 14 rooms and featuring hot springs and a garden, it is ideal for adult travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.
4/511
US$173
from
Total US$173 (Incl. taxes)
Hotel Koyo
3-stars· Kaminoyama Shi, Yamagata Ken
Hotel Koyo is a traditional ryokan located in the Kaminoyama Onsen area of Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, within walking distance of Hayama Hot Spring. The property offers family rooms and kids meals for family travelers, with convenient access to nearby attractions including Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort and Takeda Winery. This intimate 3-room accommodation is ideal for experiencing hot springs and traditional Japanese culture.
4.5/5179
US$169
from
Total US$169 (Incl. taxes)
Sagiya Sensorai
3.5-stars· Kaminoyama Shi, Yamagata Ken
Sagiya Sensorai is a traditional Japanese ryokan located in Kaminoyama, Yamagata Prefecture, within a 5-minute drive of Hayama Hot Spring. This intimate 14-room hot springs property offers easy access to nearby attractions including Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort and Takeda Winery. The ryokan features a garden, bar lounge, free parking, and complimentary WiFi, making it ideal for travelers seeking an authentic onsen experience.
What are the best areas to stay in Kaminoyama Shi?
Most travelers choose to stay around Kaminoyama Onsen, which is famous for its historic hot spring resorts and ryokans. Booking accommodation near Kaminoyama-Onsen Station is highly convenient, offering easy access to both local bathhouses and regional transit.
What are the must-visit attractions in Kaminoyama Shi?
Key attractions include the historic Kaminoyama Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city and Mount Zao, and the family-friendly Lina World amusement park. Visitors also enjoy relaxing in the public footbaths scattered throughout the historic hot spring district.
When is the best time to visit Kaminoyama Shi?
Spring and autumn are ideal, offering mild weather, cherry blossoms, and vibrant fall foliage against the mountain backdrop. Winter is also highly popular for travelers looking to combine a cozy hot spring stay with skiing at the nearby Zao Onsen Ski Resort.
How can I travel to Kaminoyama Shi from major cities?
The most convenient way is taking the Yamagata Shinkansen directly from Tokyo Station to Kaminoyama-Onsen Station, which takes about two and a half hours. Alternatively, regional trains connect the city to Yamagata Station in just under 15 minutes.
What local dishes should I try in Kaminoyama Shi?
Kaminoyama is famous for Yamagata beef, premium local cherries, and high-quality grapes used to produce regional wines. Don't miss trying local buckwheat soba noodles and traditional sweet dango skewers during your visit.
How do I get to my hotel from the nearest airport?
Yamagata Airport is the closest airport, located about 35 kilometers north of the city. Travelers can take an airport shuttle bus to Yamagata Station and transfer to the JR Ou Main Line to reach Kaminoyama-Onsen Station, where many hotels offer complimentary shuttle pick-ups.